FDA reminds Ghanaians on public smoking ban 

The Upper East Regional office of the Food and Drugs Authority, FDA, has reminded Ghanaians that smoking in public is prohibited by law because of its implication. 

Speaking to Radio Ghana in Bolgatanga, the Regional Director of the authority, Razak Braimah said the Public Health Act, Act 581 of 2012 bans public smoking. 

He observed that despite series of engagements with stakeholders, owners of public vehicles and managers of transport terminals are yet to comply with this directive.  

He cautioned persons in charge of recreational centres to comply with the ban in order not to face the wrath of the authority.  

According to Mr Braimah, there must be signs and notices of “No Smoking” in all public facilities to inform and restrict users where to and where not to smoke. This, he noted, will ensure that the law is adhered to. 

Speaking to Radio Ghana's Samuel Ayammah in Bolgatanga, Mr. Braimah explained that public facilities are allowed to designate smoking areas because people had the right to smoke. 

He, however, indicated that in spite of that right, measures should be taken to avoid second-hand smoking considering its health effects.  

He defined second-hand smoking as the process of involuntarily inhaling smoke, especially by non-smokers, from a cigarette, cigar or pipe that is being smoked. 

These, he noted, can cause other health problems, including heart-related diseases, stroke and breathing problems. 

He said one way of doing so is to ensure that smoking is done in isolation. 

Mr. Braimah stated that apart from its health implications, second-hand smoking was an infringement on the right of the non-smoker. 

He concluded that the authority was currently raising awareness of the law to ensure that the public was well aware of the risk of smoking, after which stakeholders will implement the law strictly.

GBC